Fluff Fudge Recipe

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Growing up, the scent of melting chocolate and the sweet, velvety texture of Marshmallow Fluff in the kitchen meant only one thing: someone was whipping up a batch of Fluff Fudge. This recipe has been passed down through generations, its pages worn and stained with splatters of chocolate, a testament to its timeless appeal.

How to make Fluff Fudge

Fluff Fudge typically refers to a type of fudge made using marshmallow fluff, a sweet, spreadable marshmallow-like product. Thanks to the incorporation of marshmallow fluff into the mixture, this fudge is known for its creamy, light texture.

Ingredients:

• 7½ oz jar Marshmallow Fluff: This star ingredient gives the fudge its smooth, creamy texture.
• 2½ cups granulated sugar: Provides the sweetness necessary in any classic fudge.
• ¾ tsp salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• ½ stick butter or margarine (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps with the fudge’s texture.
• 5 oz can of evaporated milk: Contributes to the creamy texture of the fudge.
• ¾ tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds depth and warmth to the flavors.
• 12 oz (about 2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate pieces: The chocolate is essential for that irresistible fudge taste.
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a delightful crunch for those who enjoy a bit of texture in their fudge.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This makes removing the fudge easier once it’s set.
2. Combine Sugar, Evaporated Milk, and Salt: In a medium-sized heavy saucepan, mix the sugar, evaporated milk, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Keep stirring to prevent burning.
3. Add Marshmallow Fluff and Butter: Once the sugar mixture is hot and well combined, add the Marshmallow Fluff and butter. Continuously stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well blended.
4. Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Allow it to boil for about 5 minutes. If you’re using a candy thermometer, you’re aiming for the softball stage (234-240°F).
5. Chocolate Time: Remove the pan from heat. Add the semi-sweet chocolate pieces and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
6. Add Nuts (Optional): If you’re including walnuts, fold them in now until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
7. Pour and Cool: Pour the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Set aside to cool at room temperature.
8. Cutting: Once the fudge is thoroughly cooled and set, lift it out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut it into squares or your desired shapes.

Tips:

• Stirring is Key: Constant stirring during the cooking process prevents the mixture from burning and ensures a smooth fudge.
• Soft Ball Stage: To test for the soft ball stage without a thermometer, drop a small amount of the mixture into cold water. It should form a soft ball that flattens when removed.
• Setting Time: Patience is crucial. Allow the fudge to set completely before cutting to achieve clean slices.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins, such as crushed cookies, other nuts, or even a pinch of coarse sea salt on top for a sweet and salty version.

What to serve with

With its rich chocolate and creamy marshmallow taste, Fluff Fudge can hold its own as an indulgent treat. However, if you’re looking to create a dessert spread or simply pair your homemade Fluff Fudge with complementary items for an enhanced tasting experience, here are several mouthwatering suggestions:

Beverages:

1. Coffee: A cup of strong, black coffee is a classic pairing with chocolate. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the fudge, making it a sophisticated choice for adult palates.

2. Milk: Whether it’s a glass of cold milk for the kids or an adventurous choice like almond or oat milk, this pairing is timeless and helps balance the richness of the fudge.

3. Wine: For a grown-up twist, pair your Fluff Fudge with a red wine like a Zinfandel or a dessert wine like Port that can withstand the intense flavors of the fudge.

4. Tea: A light, aromatic tea such as Earl Grey or even a mint herbal tea can cleanse the palate between bites of fudge, offering a refreshing contrast.

Desserts:

1. Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is a no-brainer pairing; its creaminess and cool temperature contrast nicely with the dense texture of the fudge. For a festive twist, try peppermint ice cream.

2. Fruit: Fresh strawberries, raspberries or banana slices create a nice balance of freshness against the dense fudge and add a beautiful visual contrast when plated together.

3. Cheese: A cheese platter with selections like Brie, Camembert, or aged Cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the sweet fudge.

Snacks:

1. Nuts: Salted nuts like almonds or pecans add texture and a salty kick that goes well with the sweetness of Fluff Fudge.

2. Pretzels: Dipping pretzels into pieces of fudge adds a crunchy, salty dimension that’s delightfully addicting.

3. Popcorn: Combining fudge with a light, salty snack like popcorn can make for an interesting textural and flavor contrast, perfect for movie nights.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Fluff Fudge, you might need to make substitutions for various reasons, including dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or the unavailability of certain ingredients.

Chocolate Chips

Type of Chocolate: If the recipe calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter fudge or dark chocolate for a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor.

Cocoa Powder: If you’re out of chocolate chips, you can substitute cocoa powder mixed with fat (like butter or coconut oil) and sugar. However, this might affect the texture, so it’s not always a recommended swap.

Marshmallow Fluff (Marshmallow Creme)

Homemade Marshmallow Fluff: If you have basic confectionery skills, you can make your own fluff using egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract.

Marshmallows: Regular marshmallows can sometimes be used in place of marshmallow fluff. Generally, about 1 cup of mini marshmallows or 8 to 10 large marshmallows replaces 1 cup of fluff. They need to be melted, usually with a little bit of milk or cream, to replicate the consistency of fluff.

Sweetened Condensed Milk

• Heavy Cream and Sugar: You can substitute heavy cream with sugar (about 1 ¾ cups cream and ¼ cup sugar) until it reduces to the consistency of condensed milk.
• Evaporated Milk and Sugar: Mix 1 part sugar with slightly less than 2 parts evaporated milk and heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Dairy-Free Alternatives: Coconut condensed milk can be used if you are avoiding dairy or prefer the taste.

Butter

Margarine: This is a one-for-one substitute and will produce similar results, though the flavor may be slightly different.

Coconut Oil or Vegetable Shortening can also be used as substitutes for butter. Coconut oil will add a slight coconut flavor to your fudge.

Vanilla Extract

Other Extracts: If you don’t have vanilla extract or want to give your fudge a different flavor, you can substitute almond extract, orange extract, or even peppermint extract. Be cautious with stronger flavors; you may want to use less than the recipe calls for vanilla.

Sugar

• Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners can be used, but they will change the flavor and potentially the consistency of the fudge. You usually need to use less of these liquid sweeteners because they are sweeter than granulated sugar.
• Sugar-Free Options: To lower the sugar content, you can use sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia, though this can affect the texture and taste.

Nuts (optional)

• Seeds: If you’re allergic to nuts or simply don’t like them, try seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for that added crunch.
• Omitting: Nuts are generally optional, and the fudge can still turn out well without them.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the key to pairing Fluff Fudge with other items is balance. You want to complement the fudge’s richness without overwhelming your palate. Offering a variety of textures and flavors will also cater to different tastes and make for a memorable dessert experience.